Here is part of an email I got from my local newspaper. I subscribe only to the digital edition.

We are writing to inform you of a temporary upcoming price increase. With rising operational costs due to inflation and global tariffs, we’re adding a small surcharge.

As a result of these industry changes, a charge in the amount of $4.99 per month will be added to your subscription to The Times.

This will ensure our continued ability to manage rising costs without disrupting your access to the local stories we know matter most to you.

… blah, blah, blah

What gets me is:

1. “temporary” - yeah right temporary is one fart away from permanent price increase. I’ll bet it never goes back down.
2. “Costs due to inflation and global tariffs” - How do tariffs effect a newspaper? Information is largely electronic. Inflation I’ll sorta buy but the tariff excuse is a stretch.
3. ”$4.99 per month” - This is hefty on top of what I’m already paying per mo. This local paper is not cheap already.

Sorry but it’s the whole wishy-washy corporate-speak tone and excuses that turned me off. I love newspapers but this is a big increase.

How about I seriously consider canceling my subscription and use that money to donate to my local NPR station?